Welcome back to school!
The first week is in the books, and we have started very well! Thank you for your support in helping make this happen: attending Open House, speaking positively about the year, supporting your child through the transitioning to another new school year, and for helping to prepare your child for the challenges of learning and growing.
As the year progresses, and you work with us on keeping conversations going with your child, here are some questions you can use to try and get more than a one-word response:
- What did you learn today?
- What did not go so well today?
- Who did you help today?
- What is one thing that makes you feel good about yourself today?
This is a great place for your child(ren) AND you. I am open to feedback, suggested topics on which to write, and any “disruptive thinking” (a prompt from you about a different and/or missed perspective that I can add to the blogs).
Other noteworthy topics:
Family Handbook - Please take some time with your child to learn/review the district Handbook. While little changes typically from year-to-year, a refresher is always valuable, and it is in a new format. This information is especially important for when conduct situations occur. At Spectrum Elementary/Middle Schools, we follow a relational discipline model where mistakes in behavioral choices are responded to with support and learning opportunities. This still means that consequences are given, and a collaborative culture happens when all are informed and work together to move forward. Please add your name to the Google FORM.
Devices - Also please take some time to see how we approach technology and electronic devices (phones and Chromebooks) so we are able to partner with you in meeting the needs of your students while achieving our Beliefs.
A few Traffic flow notes - First, thank you for helping us establish our AM/PM routines. Please know that two lanes in the back of the middle school are expected with zippering-in as a means of getting cars off Industrial Circle. We encourage students to wait until between the cones to get out of the car with the first cone located at the Main Entrance and the second at the Door #3 Entrance. Both buildings open at 7:00 am. If you are waiting for 7:00 am at the middle school, please know that teachers will be arriving before then as well and need to park in the spots closest to the building. For pick-up in the afternoon, if you can arrive at or after 2:35 pm, there should be no traffic. If you do arrive early, please fill the parking spaces first and then create the two lanes with a single lane down the alley if necessary, to help us be a good neighbor and not block traffic. You are highly encouraged to only drop off at one campus, and please avoid turning left when exiting the middle school lot. On the fifth grade campus, families should proceed cautiously entering the parking lot, backing into a spot and using the available spots. Your child is required to use the crosswalk. These past practices have worked very well once they have been established. I truly appreciate your patience and helping us keep everyone safe!
Lastly, please note that there is school on Monday. Labor Day will be observed on September 7. Thank you again for a great first week.
Here's to a wonderful school year!